The Characteristics of Lipid Biomarkers from the Abyssal and Hadal Sediments of the Yap Trench and the Influence of V-Shape Topography

Abstract

Lipid biomarkers from deep-sea sediments have been observed in several studies, but little is known about their occurrence in trench system sediments. Here, we determined the concentrations of lipid biomarkers (fatty acids and neutral lipids) in sediments from the north Yap Trench. Our results showed that short-chain (C12–20) saturated fatty acids (SFAs) contributed more than (C12:1–23:1) monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and (C16:3–24:4) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). Most fatty acids (FAs) suggest that bacteria and algae were the main contributors to marine organic matter. In contrast, terrestrial organic matter (OM) was a minor contributor to long carbon chain fatty acids greater than C20. On the other side, the observed neutral lipids such as alkanes (C14–C27), alkanols (C12–C20), alkenes (C17:1–C26:1), phytol and sterol (C27–29) indicate that phytoplankton and bacteria were the main contributors of organic materials in the sediments, and the carbon chain of neutral lipids C20–29 offering the sources of terrestrial organic matter. The extremely depleted δ13C values of fatty acids give the sources of organic carbon in the sediments from bacteria, algae, and methane-related microbes. This study is important for understanding the biogeochemical activities in deep-sea environments, particularly in the abyss and hadal zones. It will be helpful to understand the sources, transfer, and deposition of organic matter in marine trenches.